Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Futurn is transforming an old furniture factory in Hasselt into the REICORE business campus, preserving historical elements like 1971 signs. Clémence Corthouts emphasizes honoring the past while enhancing the area. The project includes restoring iconic letters from the main building, with artist Kevin Oyen creating art from them, symbolizing community connection.
An old furniture factory in Hasselt is being changed into the REICORE business campus by Futurn. The project will improve the area while keeping some of its history. They are fixing the old signs from 1971, made by a local company, and the same company is restoring them now. Clémence Corthouts from Futurn says this work honors the past and connects it to the future.
How will REICORE preserve Hasselt’s history while modernizing?
REICORE is being built as a modern business campus that respects the original design of the site. The project combines old features with new buildings to create a lively space for businesses of all sizes. By keeping historical details and adding modern facilities, REICORE aims to create a great work environment that helps Hasselt grow. This mix of preserving the past and adding new things is expected to make REICORE a valuable part of the city, improving its appeal to residents and businesses.
The project developer plans to restore the iconic letters from the main building, adding an extra ‘e’ before putting them back on the roof next year. There were three neon signs, one on the main building and two in the studio, with one studio sign being turned into art. Recor employees made these letters in the 1960s, will be displayed in the main building’s stairwell. Artist Kevin Oyen, who often passed by the factory, feels honored to create art from the letters. He will make a 21-meter tall steel loop to hang the art, replacing the neon lights with LED lights to ensure the letters are a meaningful symbol for the community.
